Germination Of Plants Research Articles

Seed priming with Calcium oxide nanoparticles improves germination, biomass, antioxidant defence and yield traits of canola plants under drought stress

• Seed priming with calcium oxide nanoparticles have remediating effects of drought in canola plants. • Seed priming with calcium oxide nanoparticles improves germination parameters of canola plants exposed to drought stress. • Seed priming with calcium oxide nanoparticles improves the growth and antioxidant defence of canola plants under drought. • •Seed priming with calcium oxide nanoparticles improves performance of canola in terms of yield attributes. Recent advances in calcium signalling have proved that calcium plays a key role in mitigating abiotic stresses and strengthening the internal defence of plants. In the present research, calcium was imparted through seed nano-priming with calcium oxide nanoparticles (CaONPs) at concentrations of 25, 50, 75, and 100 ppm compared to control (0 ppm) under PEG-induced drought in the canola plants. During the germination experiment, seedlings were given drought conditions simulated by PEG-6000 treatment maintaining water potential at -0.15 MPa and pH of 5.5 supplemented with Hoagland solution at room temperature. As a control, no PEG-6000 was given. After the germination experiment, a pot experiment was conducted under artificial climate chambers. Seed nano-priming with 75 ppm CaONPs improved germination percentage and seedling fresh weight by 30% and 34% respectively under drought stress. Seed nano-priming with 75 ppm CaONPs increased the number of leaves by 16%, total chlorophyll contents by 28.9%, improved the number of pods per branch, number of seeds per pod, 100 seed weights, and yield by 29.99%, 73.076%, 35.13%, and 35.18% respectively under drought stress. Furthermore, the levels of antioxidant enzymes were improved and levels of stress indicators declined significantly. Present research recommends the use of CaONPs as pre-sowing treatments to the seed to improve the performance of canola plants.

Bioestimulants on common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivar TAA Marhe in vitro

Plant biostimulants are substances that can increase plant germination growth, and development, acting on the stimulation of cell division. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro action of two commercial biostimulants AgroRaiz® and Stimulate® on the physiological quality of seeds of Phaseolus vulgaris cultivar TAA Marhe. Seeds of the TAA Marhe cultivar were used at the usual concentration of both biostimulants AgroRaiz® 0.3 L 100 kg-1 and Stimulate® 0.5 L 100 kg-1 seeds. Classic germination test, dry matter, root length and accelerated aging test were performed. The experimental design was completely randomized with three treatments and four replications. The usual doses of biostimulators did not influence the germination rate and dry mass by the classical method; however, Stimulate® demonstrated action on mean root length. For the aging assay, AgroRaiz® proved to be superior to Stimulate® in germination and seedling dry matter.

Mediterranean plant germination reports – 4

Mediterranean plant germination reports – 4

Allelopathic effect of aqueous extract of Polygonum bistorta and Terminalia chebula on germination and seedling growth of Daucus carota and Medicago polymorpha

Weed management is essential for sustainable crop production in all cropping systems. The use of herbicides is causing the problems of herbicide resistant weeds and environmental pollution. Plant-released phytotoxins have ability to promote or inhibit the germination and seedling growth of surrounding crops and weeds. Therefore, it is imperative to identify plant species having the herbicidal potential to use as more safe and sustainable weed management approach. The present study was planned in 2018 to investigate the germination and seedling growth of Daucus carota and Medicago polymorpha influenced by the root extract of Polygonum bistorta and fruit extract of Terminalia chebula. Different concentrations of aqueous extract (0, 2.5, 5, 10, 20, 40 and 80%) significantly reduced the germination and seedling growth of target species. Results of these experiments revealed that thefruit extract of T. chebula was more phytotoxic as compared to root extract of P. bistorta regarding seedling growth of weed. However, fruit extract of T. chebula having 80% concentration fully inhibit the germination of D. carota and M. polymorpha. One the bases of these finding it was concluded that the fruit extract of T. chebula and root extract of P. bistorta have comparatively more active substances with ability to suppress germination and growth of plants which could be exploited as prospective source of bio-herbicides.

The Effect of stationary magnetic fields on medicinal plants

In recent decades, physical techniques based on the application of magnetic fields (MF) have been developed in the agricultural sector with favorable results in plant germination and growth. The main objective of this study is to determine the effects of magnetic treatment on the germination of seeds of the following species Salvia officinalis L. and Calendula officinalis L. Groups of seeds were exposed to MF of 125 mT for different times, other groups of seeds were subjected to magnetic pretreatment and others were used as control. Germination tests were performed under laboratory conditions. The parameters were: germination time of the first seed (T1), time for reaching 10 -75% of germination (T10, T25, T50 and T75), mean germination time (MGT) and number of germinated seeds (Gmax), provided by Seedcalculator software. The parameters recorded for both seeds with treatment and pretreatment were lower than the value of the corresponding control, chronic exposure at 125 mT provided the highest results; MGT was significantly reduced compared to controls. (T1-T50) were also significantly reduced.

Potential of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria to mitigate chromium contamination

The main threats to human health and agriculture from heavy metals are associated with exposure to chromium, lead, cadmium, mercury, and arsenic. Among the metals, Chromium is one of the most lethal heavy metals because of its toxicity and hazardous nature. It affects biological activities in soil and metabolism of animals, plants, and human health. Among various forms of chromium, trivalent Cr (III) and hexavalent Cr (VI) are more stable in nature. The higher concentration of Cr (VI) in soil may affect many biochemical and physiological processes and consequently inhibits plant growth. Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are involved in regulation of seed germination, growth promotion, metabolic rate, and other physiological activities of plants. PGPR may reduce toxic effects of Cr (VI) on plant growth through reducing Cr (VI) to Cr (III). Many recent reports describe the application of heavy metal resistant-PGPRs to enhance agricultural yields without accumulation of metal in plant tissues. This review provides information about the mechanisms possessed by heavy metal resistant-PGPRs that ameliorate metal stress to plants and decrease the accumulation of these metals in plant, and finally gives some perspectives for research on these bacteria in agriculture in the future. • Cr(VI) of industrial effluents impact negatively on human health and environment. • The removal of Cr(VI) from wastewater and soil requires serious and immediate attention. • Biological removal of Cr(VI) is a sustainable and environmentally friendly technology. • Cr(VI)-bioremediation strategies are applied in different systems and scales. • Research is essential to solve the problems associated to the large-scale remediation.

Effect of Microplastics on the Germination and Growth of Terrestrial Plants

Objectives : The human beings of our globe are heavily reliant on the use of plastic products on a daily basis. Microplastics (MPs) are tiny particles that are formed as a result of plastic degradation. MPs can be found in terrestrial environment, but previous studies focused on the effects of MPs on marine environment and there are less studies on the effects of MPs on terrestrial environment. In particular, there is still a relatively limited number of studies on the effects of MPs on terrestrial plants. Therefore, this review paper aims to examine previous studies on the effect of MPs on the germination and growth of terrestrial plants.Methods : This review summarized the previous findings on the effect of MPs on the germination and growth of terrestrial plants in order to identify the research gaps and trends on the effects of MPs on terrestrial plants.Results and Discussion : Previous studies on the effect of MPs on the germination and growth of terrestrial plants were reviewed and the observations were summarized to find the gaps in this field of research. Previous studies showed that MPs can change soil properties and these changes can be different depending on the shape and size of MPs. MPs can also release chemicals such as phthalates and heavy metals that might have toxic effects on terrestrial plants. Different forms, types, and sizes of MPs were used in previous studies to study the effects on seed germination and growth of different plants. Most studies reported that MPs have negative effects on seed germination and plant growth (e.g., biomass, chlorophyll contents). Smaller MPs tend to have more significant effects than larger MPs. The changes in the soil properties due to MPs can change microbial community structures and this, in turn, may affect the soil-plant interaction.Conclusion : This study summarizes what have been reported in the previous studies on the effect of MPs on seed germination and growth of terrestrial plants. MPs are likely to affect seed germination and plant growth negatively, and this will eventually lead to reduction in food production and food quality. Owing to the various types, forms, and sizes of MPs that could be present in the terrestrial environment as well as the chemicals that could be released from MPs, there is much to explore to better understand the effect of MPs on terrestrial plants and the underlying mechanisms of such effects.

Biostimulant derived from the fermentation of Inulav viscosa (Inort) in the germination and growth of Amaranthus hypochondriacus

Research objective: This research aims to evaluate Inula's bio-stimulating potential in the form of macerate in water in the cultivation of Amaranthus hypochondriacus. This is to increase knowledge of this plant that commonly exhibits inhibitory characteristics towards the germination of various plants. Materials and Methods: The experiments started in May 2022 and were conducted in the greenhouses of CREA-OF in Pescia on Amaranthus hypochondriacus plants. On September 24, 2022, plant height, leaves number, leaves the surface area, vegetative weight, roots volume and length, the number of germinated seeds, average germination time, the number of microorganisms in the substrate, plant dead number and pH were determined. In addition, the SPAD index was measured on three leaves pinched from the bottom to the apex of the canopy of each plant (for a total of 90 measurements per treatment) and tissue mineral content was evaluated on collected dry matter (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe and Na, Cl). Results and Discussion: The experiment showed that using Inula as a bio stimulant can significantly improve germination and growth and reduce mortality in Amaranthus hypochondriacus plants. In general, a significant increase in plant height and number of leaves, vegetative and root biomass was observed in plants treated with INORT, with differences depending on the percentage of product supplied to the plants. There was also a significant reduction in the mortality of plants treated with the biofertilizer product and increased microbial biomass. The trial also showed that the Inula biofertilizer could improve the chlorophyll content of the plant and increase the N, P, K, Ca, Fe, and Na content, while no differences were found for the parameters Mg and Cl. This test also shows biostimulant effects regarding seed germination and the average germination time reduction. This is interesting because Inula is usually mentioned for its inhibiting activity in seed germination, which probably depends on the transformation process. However, when macerated with microbial products, the inhibiting activity is nullified, and the fast-growing microorganisms utilize the organic products provided by this plant. Conclusions: In this experiment, further exciting and innovative aspects were highlighted in the use of this plant, given its already recognized importance from a medicinal, melliferous and biodiversity point of view. More experiments are underway to improve the protocol for using a biofertilizer based on Inula and microorganisms for horticulture for plant stimulation and defence.

Alleviating the adverse effects of salinity on Roselle plants by green synthesized nanoparticles

In the present study, an eco-friendly process was made for the rapid synthesis of silver nanoparticles using aqueous leaf extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa. The process was characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV–visible and X-ray diffraction (XRD). These green silver nanoparticles (NPs) were used for mitigating the adverse effects of salinity on seed germination and growth parameters in plants. Accordingly, two experiments were conducted. In the first experiment, seven concentrations of green silver NPs and nine levels of NaCl:CaCl were apptoed on seeds for germination, and their effects were evaluated. In the second experiment, three concentrations of green silver NPs and NaCl were hypothesized to affect plant growth parameters. Seed germination, plant height, leaf, and root fresh and dry weights, as well as relative water content (RWC), decreased significantly under salt stress. However, green silver NPs intervened by alleviating the adverse effects of stress. Accordingly, green silver NPs were beneficial due to (1) activation of the antioxidant system by enhancing antioxidant enzymes such as catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), peroxidase (POD), and superoxide dismutase (SOD); (2) increase in the amounts of proline, soluble sugars and carbohydrates for osmoprotection; (3) improvements in flavonoid and anthocyanin contents. Real-time PCR showed that flavonoid and anthocyanin contents increased because of higher expressions in chalcone synthase (CHS), flavanone 3‐hydroxylase (F3H), and anthocyanidin synthase (ANS) genes. In conclusion, green silver NPs offered an eco-friendly application for further research on agricultural development.

EARLY FLOWERING3 Gene Confers Earlier Flowering and Enhancement of Salt Tolerance in Woody Plant Osmanthus fragrans

Osmanthus fragrans Lour. is popular in landscaping and gardening in Asia. In recent years, growing attention has been given to evergreen tree flowering and adaptation. EARLY FLOWERING3 (ELF3) plays an essential role in plant flowering regulation and abiotic stress tolerance. However, there is very little known about how the ELF3 gene affects flowering time and salt tolerance in O. fragrans. To elucidate the potential role of the flowering-related gene ELF3 in responding to salt tolerance, a significantly upregulated gene OfELF3 was obtained by RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) after salt treatment in O. fragrans. Our results showed that OfELF3 is a nuclear protein, which did not have a transcriptional activation ability. OfELF3 accumulation was determined in different tissues and the differentiation process of floral buds by qRT–PCR, and the gene was also significantly induced by salt stress treatment. In addition, overexpression of OfELF3 accelerated the flowering time of transgenic Arabidopsis lines, and an increase in the expression of flowering integrators such as AtFT, AtSOC1, and AtAP1 was investigated. Moreover, OfELF3 overexpression significantly improved the salt tolerance of transgenic plants, seed germination and root length of transgenic plants and was superior to those of the wild type (WT) under NaCl treatment at 4 days post-germination and the 5-day-old seedling stage, respectively. Similarly, phenotype and physiological indexes (REL, MDA and soluble protein) of 3-week-old transgenic plants were superior to the WT plants as well. Together, our results suggest that OfELF3 is not only a positive regulator in the regulation of flowering but is also involved in the salt tolerance response in O. fragrans.

Photothermal Aerogel Beads Based on Polysaccharides: Controlled Fabrication and Hybrid Applications in Solar-Powered Interfacial Evaporation, Water Remediation, and Soil Enrichment.

Solar-powered interfacial evaporation has emerged as an innovative and sustainable technology for clean water production. However, the rapid, mass and shape-controlled fabrication of three-dimensional (3D) steam generators (SGs) for versatile hybrid applications remains challenging. Herein, composite aerogel beads with self-contained properties (i.e., hydrophilic, porous, photothermal, and durable) are developed and demonstrated for threefold hybrid applications including efficient solar-powered interfacial evaporation, water remediation, and controlled soil enrichment. The rational incorporation of selected polysaccharides enables us to fabricate bead-like aerogels with rapid gelation, continuous processing, and enhanced ion adsorption. The composite beads can attain a high water evaporation rate of 1.62 kg m-2 h-1 under 1 sun. Meanwhile, high phosphate adsorption capacity of over 120 mg g-1 is achieved in broad pH (2.5-12.4) and concentration (200-1000 mg L-1) ranges of phosphate solutions. Gratifyingly, we demonstrate the first example of recycling biomaterials from interfacial SGs for controlled nutrient release, soil enrichment, and sustainable agriculture. The phosphate-saturated beads can be gradually broken down in the soil. Macronutrients (N, P, and K) can be slowly released in 50 days, sustaining the plant germination and growth in a whole growth stage. This work shines light on the mass and controlled fabrication of aerogel beads based on double-network biopolymers, not merely scaling up solar-powered interfacial evaporation but also considering water remediation, waste material disposal, and value-added conversion.

Effects of drought and salt stress on seed germination of ephemeral plants in desert of northwest China

Seed germination is the most sensitive stage of plant life history. Studying its response to drought and salinity can analysis the response and adaptation characteristics of desert plants to the environment. In this experiment, the seeds of four common desert ephemeral plants in Xinjiang (Ixiolirion tataricum, Nepeta micrantha, Lepidium apetalum, and Plantago minuta) were used as materials. To study the germination characteristics of seeds under drought, we used salt stress, and coupled salt-drought stress under treatments and explored the germination recovery ability of rehydrated seeds after salt and drought stress treatments. The results showed that: (1) Under salt stress, the germination ability of four plant seeds was inhibited in different degrees. Overall, the degree of inhibition was proportional to the concentration of NaCl solution. (2) Drought stress slowed the seed germination process, and the greater the degree of stress, the more pronounced the slowdown; PEG treatment showed no significant effect on the germination of the four seeds at low concentrations and significant inhibition at medium and high concentrations. (3) The coupled salt-drought treatment significantly alleviated the stress effect of one factor and improved the germination characteristics of seeds. (4) Seeds that did not germinate under different concentrations of salt stress, drought stress, and coupled stresses rapidly recover germination when the stress was relieved or lifted. Ephemeral plants are sensitive to environmental changes, and this study aims to provide a reference basis for vegetation restoration and ecological rehabilitation in arid and semi-arid areas.

Overexpression of an aquaporin gene EsPIP1;4 enhances abiotic stress tolerance and promotes flowering in Arabidopsis thaliana

Aquaporins are water channel proteins that play an essential role in plant growth and development. Despite extensive functional characterization of aquaporins in model plants such as Arabidopsis, their contributions to abiotic stress tolerance in non-model plants are still poorly understood. As a close relative of Arabidopsis thaliana, Eutrema salsugineum is an excellent model for studying salt tolerance. Here, we identified and functionally characterized EsPIP1;4, a gene encoding a plasma membrane intrinsic protein (PIP) aquaporin in E. salsugineum. Overexpression of EsPIP1;4 in Arabidopsis improved seed germination and root growth of transgenic plants under abiotic stress, which was accompanied by an increase in proline accumulation, reduction in MDA, and decrease in the rate of ion leakage. Under abiotic stress, transgenic plants overexpressing EsPIP1;4 also showed increased antioxidant enzyme activity, and enhanced K+/Na+ ratio compared to control plants. Furthermore, overexpression of EsPIP1;4 promoted flowering by regulating genes in multiple flowering pathways. Together, our results demonstrated that an aquaporin from E. salsugineum improves abiotic stress tolerance and promotes flowering.

Correlation Analisys Between Seed Weight And Seed Germination Of The Rao Plant (Dracontomelon dao, Hask)

Rao plants are very suitable for reforestation and land rehabilitation activities because they have big trees, dense canopy and deep roots, and also strong roots. However, in its development, it still has problems, namely the low percentage of seed germination because the seeds of this species are semi-recalcitrant seeds, and have seed coat dormancy. Seed weight is thought to have a relationship with the success of germination and growth of rao plants. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between seed weight and germination time and also the speed growth of germination. The method used in this study is a correlation test with a simple regression analysis approach. The variables used were the seed weight variable as the X factor, and the germination time and rates as the Y factor. The results of the study of 100 seeds of rao plants that were sampled in this study had variations in seed weight ranging from 2.1 to 5 grams. The germination time for each seed ranged from 9 – 62 days with an average growth rate of 1.8 – 3.9 cm per week. The variation in the growth time of each seed is due to the fact that the seeds of the rao plant have seed coat dormancy, but in this study there was no treatment to overcome this dormancy, so the germination process depends on the natural process of each seed. Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that: (1) the average germination time of rao (Dracontomelon dao, Hask) seeds was 30 days, (2) seed weight was strongly correlated with seed germination time and seed germination rate, (3) seed weight increased, the germination time is longer, but the rate of growth of seed germination is faster

Carrot DcALFIN4 and DcALFIN7 Transcription Factors Boost Carotenoid Levels and Participate Differentially in Salt Stress Tolerance When Expressed in Arabidopsis thaliana and Actinidia deliciosa.

ALFIN-like transcription factors (ALs) are involved in several physiological processes such as seed germination, root development and abiotic stress responses in plants. In carrot (Daucus carota), the expression of DcPSY2, a gene encoding phytoene synthase required for carotenoid biosynthesis, is induced after salt and abscisic acid (ABA) treatment. Interestingly, the DcPSY2 promoter contains multiple ALFIN response elements. By in silico analysis, we identified two putative genes with the molecular characteristics of ALs, DcAL4 and DcAL7, in the carrot transcriptome. These genes encode nuclear proteins that transactivate reporter genes and bind to the carrot DcPSY2 promoter in yeast. The expression of both genes is induced in carrot under salt stress, especially DcAL4 which also responds to ABA treatment. Transgenic homozygous T3 Arabidopsis thaliana lines that stably express DcAL4 and DcAL7 show a higher survival rate with respect to control plants after chronic salt stress. Of note is that DcAL4 lines present a better performance in salt treatments, correlating with the expression level of DcAL4, AtPSY and AtDXR and an increase in carotenoid and chlorophyll contents. Likewise, DcAL4 transgenic kiwi (Actinidia deliciosa) lines show increased carotenoid and chlorophyll content and higher survival rate compared to control plants after chronic salt treatment. Therefore, DcAL4 and DcAL7 encode functional transcription factors, while ectopic expression of DcAL4 provides increased tolerance to salinity in Arabidopsis and Kiwi plants.

Influence of microclimatic conditions during year-long storage of ‘Impresja’ potato tubers (Solanum tuberosum L.) on the emergence, growth, physiological activity and yield of plants

The natural lifespan of potato tubers (Solanum tuberosum L.) is influenced by several factors, including dormancy, tuber physiology, and conditions in the external environment, such as temperature, humidity, and air movement. We studied the effects of different periods of tuber storage (within 12 months) at 4 °C, followed by 14 d storage at 15–20 °C and 70–80% RH, on the germination, development, physiological activity, and yield of Impresja potato plants, as well as on the activity of catalase and N-acetyl-β-glucosaminidase. The tubers stored at 4–20 °C did not germinate until the beginning of December. Storage at 4 °C until September prevented sprouting and pathogen invasion. Depending on the period of storage, the time between planting and plant emergence gradually decreased, from 51 d (December) to 10 d (March–July), and the dynamics of shoot and root growth increased. Plants from tubers stored at 4 °C until May were the fastest to emerge and grow, whereas extended storage until July–September gradually reduced plant development. Transferring the tubers at the end of all storage periods from 4 °C to conditions of 15–20 °C and 70–80% RH for 14 d accelerated the emergence and growth of shoots and roots and increased chlorophyll content, net photosynthesis, transpiration, stomatal conductance, and the yield of new tubers. This additional storage period was most beneficial for tubers stored until March–July, but its effects decreased after prolonged storage until August–September and had almost disappeared by September. Regardless of the duration of storage, the plant vegetation periods were similar, although the growth of shoots and roots depended on the storage conditions and lighting in particular months. The storage technology presented here could increase the profitability of accelerated potato production.

Causes and consequences of differences in soil and seed microbiomes for two alpine plants.

Seed and soil microbiomes strongly affect plant performance, and these effects can scale-up to influence plant community structure. However, seed and soil microbial community composition are variable across landscapes, and different microbial communities can differentially influence multiple plant metrics (biomass, germination rate), and community stabilizing mechanisms. We determined how microbiomes inside seeds and in soils varied among alpine plant species and communities that differed in plant species richness and density. Across 10 common alpine plant species, we found a total of 318 bacterial and 128 fungal operational taxonomic units (OTUs) associated with seeds, with fungal richness affected by plant species identity more than sampling location. However, seed microbes had only marginally significant effects on plant germination success and timing. In contrast, soil microbes associated with two different plant species had significant effects on plant biomass, and their effect depended both on the plant species and the location the soils were sampled from. This led to significant changes in plant-soil feedback at different locations that varied in plant density and richness, such that plant-soil feedback favored plant species coexistence in some locations and opposed coexistence at other locations. Importantly, we found that coexistence-facilitating feedback was associated with low plant species richness, suggesting that soil microbes may promote the diversity of colonizing plants during the course of climate change and glacial recession.

Effects of Elevated Temperature and High and Low Rainfall on the Germination and Growth of the Invasive Alien Plant Acacia mearnsii.

The impact of climate change on the germination and growth of invasive alien plants varies depending on the plant species and invasion process. We experimentally assessed the responses of the invasive alien plant Acacia mearnsii to future climate change scenarios—namely, elevated temperature as well as high and low rainfall. Acacia mearnsii was grown at an elevated air temperature (+2 °C), high rainfall (6 mm per day), and low rainfall (1.5 mm per day), and its germination and growth performance were measured over five months. We further examined changes in soil nutrients to assess if the above-mentioned climate change scenarios affected soils. Both elevated temperature and high rainfall did not influence A. mearnsii germination and seedling growth. In contrast, we observed reductions in A. mearnsii germination and growth in the low rainfall treatment, an indication that future drought conditions might negatively affect A. mearnsii invasion. We noted that elevated temperature and rainfall resulted in varied effects on soil properties (particularly soil C, N, Ca, and Mg content). We conclude that both elevated temperature and high rainfall may not enhance A. mearnsii invasion through altering germination and growth, but a decrease in A. mearnsii invasiveness is possible under low rainfall conditions.

Enhancement of Seed Germination, Growth, Yield, and Nutritional Composition Using Low-Frequency Glow Discharge (LFGD) Plasma in Wheat (Triticum Aestivum)

Several factors affect germination and seedling growth for the successful establishment of crops. This study investigates the effect of medium pressure (~10 torr) low-frequency glow discharge (LFGD) (Ar+Air) plasma-treated seeds for different periods (1, 3, 6, 8, and 10 min) of wheat. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) image of the seed surface showed notable changes due to plasma treatment. The germination results showed a significant increase of 4.35%, and the agronomical parameters exhibited a meaningful upgrade result in treated plants compared to control. The catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities significantly improved in shoot and root of plants along with their expression candidate genes (TaCAT and TaSOD) in roots relative to control. Besides, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity substantially increased in shoots of plants. A dissimilarity effect was observed in ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and the candidate gene for Ta APX. Further, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), soluble protein, and sugar content showed significant changes in the leaves and roots but not in nitric oxide (NO) due to plasma treatment. In addition, thousand grain mass (TGM) and nutritional compositions including iron grain, iron shoot, manganese grain, fat, fiber, and ash were significantly increased in contrast to controls. Also, zinc concentration showed no changes in plants, while the moisture content showed significant decreases. Thus, these findings unveil the potentialities of LFGD plasma to improve the germination and growth of wheat plants.

Onion Extract Soaking Duration on the Germination of Porang Plant Bulbil (Amorphophallus oncophyllus)

Bubil is one of the materials needed for porang plant propagation. Bubil is a vegetative propagation material that is found on each meeting of the stem and takes three to four months to germinate. The length of time for bubil germination is often a problem in the cultivation of porang plants. One of the efforts made to speed up germination time is to use growth regulator treatments. The purpose of this study is to determine the best duration for the soaking of shallot extract on the germination of the bubil porang plant. This study used a completely randomized design (CRD) consisting of four treatments and three replications. The treatments used were B0 = 1 hour, B1 = 2 hours, B2 = 3 hours, and B3 = 4 hours. The research data were analyzed using the Anova table, if the F count is greater than the F table of 5%, then a further test is carried out with the Tukey test at a 5% significance level. The observed variables were the time of the emergence of plumules, the height of the seedlings, the number of leaf blades, and the width of the leaf blades. The results of the analysis of the Anova table showed that the duration of soaking the onion extract on the germination of the Bubil porang plants showed significantly different results with respect to the time of the emergence of plumules and plant height, but not significantly different to the number of leaves and leaf width. Out of the four treatments used, a soaking time of 4 hours gave the best results on the time of emergence of plumules (77 days after sowing) and the height of the seedlings (23.50 cm).